BALTIMORE (WJZ) — The Baltimore Grand Prix is just over two weeks away and planning is also underway for one of the biggest pre-race events.

Ron Matz reports the “Yellow Party” will raise money for a great cause.

It’s almost race time. Excitement is building for the third annual Grand Prix of Baltimore, the celebration of acceleration through the streets of downtown Baltimore.

Brock Yetso is getting ready for the second annual Yellow Party. The Aug. 29 benefit at Pazo in the Inner Harbor will raise money for the Ulman Cancer Fund.

“It’s the official kick-off event for the Baltimore Grand Prix. It’s a great way to start the weekend in style and mingle with some of the top Indy drivers and support some amazing causes,” said Yetso.

It’s also a chance to meet last year’s Baltimore winner, Ryan Hunter-Reay and other IndyCar drivers.

“Baltimore is such a cool city. The fans come out and really support us. The IndyCar fans are the best fanbase I could ever ask for,” said Hunter-Reay.

“Ryan Hunter-Reay, the defending champion of the Baltimore Grand Prix, will be there. He invites all his driver friends. Ryan actually started this event in Indianapolis several years ago. His family was affected by cancer and started a charity called Racing For Cancer,” Yetso said.

Last year, the Yellow Party brought in more than $30,000. This year, it will raise even more.

“The Ulman Cancer Fund is a nonprofit organization based here in Baltimore. We support, educate and connect young adults with families affected by cancer,” Yetso said. “Our organization was founded in 1997. Our founder, Doug Ulman, who was born and raised in this area was diagnosed with cancer as a college student. We’ve been operating for 15 years, helping families and patients in the community and beyond.”

Ron Matz is an Emmy award-winning reporter who joined the Eyewitness News team in 1993.
During that time, Ron has covered some of the biggest stories in Baltimore. including Pope John Paul II's visit to Baltimore in October 1995, Hurricane Isabel...